ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE SCHEME
Ministry of MSME, through Khadi and Village Industries Commission , is implementing various schemes under the Khadi Vikas Yojana for upliftment of Khadi artisans as follows:
- 35% quantum of Modified Marketing Development Assistance  is provided to artisans as incentive in case of KIs of Cotton, Woolen, Polyvastra and 30% quantum of MMDA is provided as incentive to KIs for silk.
- Financial assistance is also provided under Workshed Scheme for construction of individual as well as group workshed for smooth and fatigue free work environment.
Apart from the above, spinning wages of artisan will increase from Rs. 7.50/-per hank to Rs.10.00/-per hank and weaving wages for Cotton Khadi, Woollen Khadi and Polyvastra will increase by 10%, w.e.f. 01.04.2023.
KVIC purchases cotton from Cotton Corporation of India . KVIC purchases and maintains sufficient raw material stock, including purchase of additional quantity during the crop season of cotton i.e., September and October.
Government has not proposed to make the National Minimum Wage Scheme applicable to khadi workers as Khadi artisans are involved in Khadi activities as a part time work in which the wages is based on piece rate system depending on their production capacity. The minimum wages meant for Skilled/ Semi-skilled/ Unskilled labourers of agriculture and other segments are based on time rate system for 8 hours which is not applicable to Khadi Sector.
As per the KVIC Act, ‘Khadi’ means any cloth woven on handlooms in India from cotton, silk or woolen yarn handspun in India or from a mixture of any two or all of such yarns, whereas for readymade garments, there are no such restrictions.
This information was given by Minister of State for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
President's Secretariat
President of India graces concluding ceremony of Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey U.P. Sainik School, Lucknow
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind graced and addressed the concluding ceremony of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey U.P. Sainik School in Lucknow today . On the occasion, he also unveiled the statue of Dr Sampurnanand, former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh; inaugurated an Auditorium named after Dr Sampurnanand; and laid foundation stones for projects regarding doubling the capacity of the School and a hostel for girls in the School.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey U.P. Sainik School is the first Sainik School established in the country. He was happy to note that this School is also the first Sainik School which started providing education to girls. This would be the first Sainik School whose girl students would appear in the NDA examination this year. He said that teachers and students of this school have established a tradition of excellence and have also set good standards for other Sainik Schools.
Remembering Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey, the President said that we would always be indebted to him and his family for his sacrifice to protect the borders of the nation. Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey has written a wonderful and immortal saga of valor and sacrifice. He is the only soldier among the students of all Sainik Schools who has been decorated with the Param Vir Chakra.
Remembering Dr Sampurnanand, the President said that when India became independent, freedom fighters like him thought of preparing such generations who could protect the priceless freedom achieved after a long struggle and build a good society. According to him where there is knowledge, there is power. In his view, there should be curiosity in the mind and humbleness in the heart of students.
The President said that personalities like Dr Sampurnanand and Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey have a common ideal. That ideal is the spirit of dedicating everything for the sake of the nation's pride. The President expressed confidence that keeping such ideals in mind, students and teachers of this School would further enhance the prestige of this Sainik School and write glorious chapters in the service of the nation.
Speaking about the traffic restrictions during the VVIP movements that cause discomfort to people, the President said that apart from being the President of India, he is a sensitive citizen too. He said that the restrictions be enforced in a manner as to cause minimum disruption in normal traffic. He urged the administration to devise a way to enforce restrictions not beyond 15-20 minutes for VVIP movements and let emergency vehicles like ambulance be given passage even at the time of such restrictions. He also appealed people to follow the traffic rules and cooperate with the administration in maintaining traffic discipline.
Click here to see the President's message in Hindi
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Promoting more balanced India-China Trade
India’s exports to China have grown after several years. India is poised to achieve its highest ever exports to China this fiscal. Between April-December 2018, exports were USD 12.7 billion which is closer to last year’s exports ofUSD 13.33 billion.
The Department of Commerce took the initiative to identify and share with Indian exporters and other stakeholders, specific lines where US would lose competitiveness in China and where India had an export potential and encouraged the exporters to seize this opportunity. Several B2B meetings with Chinese buyers were facilitated through the Indian embassy in Beijing.Chinese grape buyers were invited to visit Indian grape farms and related units underAgricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.
The growth in India’s exports to China has been driven by marine products, organic chemicals, plastics, petroleum products, grapes and rice.
Recognizing the regulatory environment in China, which remains a challenge for the Indian exporters, the Department of Commerce signed three protocols in the last financial year:
- In June 2018, protocol on export of Indian rice to China  was signed in the presence of the leaders of the two countries at Qingdao, paving way for export of Indian rice to China, which commenced in small quantities subsequently, and now needs a major ramp up by the businesses on either side.
- On 28th November 2018, the protocol for export of Indian fishmeal/fishoil to China was signed during the visit of the Chinese Vice Minister to India.
- On 21st and 22nd January 2019, the protocol on export of Indian tobacco to China was renewed and signed paving way for exports of Indian tobacco to China.
While some of India’s concerns have been addressed, more efforts are required for greater market penetration in China.India is hopeful of soon signing protocols for export of Indian soybean meals, cakes and pomegranates to China in the near future, as these are in advanced stages of discussion. Discussions are on with the Chinese side for early announcement of Chinese import quotas for sugar and rice for 2019 so that Indian exporters are able to plan their exports well in time.
While the protocols have been signed for several items, the actual exports need to be ramped up substantially. Indian exporters are being encouraged to seize this opportunity and take advantage of the recent developments.
In light of US duties on Chinese products, similar steps have been taken with regard to Indian exports to the US also.
Ministry of Mines
Mining Sector Undergoes Reforms to Further Strengthen Sustainable Mining
Star Rating of Mines Made Mandatory
Ministry of Mines implemented Sustainable Mining by making provisions under Chapter-V of Mineral Conservation and Development Rules , 2017. Accordingly Rule 35 of MCDR provides for star rating of the mining leases based on the sustainable mining practices adopted by the miners.
The National Mineral Policy 2019 envisions sustainable mining as financially viable; socially responsible; environmentally, technically and scientifically sound mining practices with a long term view of development; optimal use of mineral resources and ensuring sustainable post-closure land uses.
All miners including private miners are following the Sustainable Mining provisions under Chapter V of MCDR 2017 and follow star rating system developed for evaluation of the leases.
Star rating has been made mandatory under Rule 35 of MCDR, 2017 and every mining lease holder has to submit online self-assessment report before 1st day of July every year for the previous financial year, along with the digital images of mining lease area as per rule 34A of the said rules to the Regional Controller or the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines.
Further, as per Rule 35 of MCDR, 2017 every holder of a mining lease shall achieve at least three-star rating within a period of four years from the date of commencement of mining operations and thereafter maintain the same on year- on- year basis.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Home Affairs
In a landmark decision under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, MHA approves conduct of Constable  examination for CAPFs in 13 regional languages in addition to Hindi and English
This historic decision has been taken at the initiative of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah and to give impetus to participation of local youth in the CAPF and encourage regional languages
The question paper will be set in Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Odia, Urdu, Punjabi, Manipuri and Konkani in addition to Hindi & English
The decision will result in lakhs of aspirants taking part in the examination in their mother tongue/ regional language and improve their selection prospects
Constable GD is one of flagship examinations conducted by the Staff Selection Commission attracting lakhs of candidates from across the country
Examination in 13 regional languages in addition to Hindi and English will be conducted from January 01, 2024 onwards
MHA under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and guidance of Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah is fully committed to encourage use and development of regional languages
In a landmark decision under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Ministry of Home Affairs has approved conducting Constable  examination for Central Armed Police Forces  in 13 regional languages, in addition to Hindi and English. The historic decision has been taken at the initiative of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah to give impetus to participation of local youth in the CAPF and encourage regional languages.
In addition to Hindi and English, the question paper will be set in the following 13 regional languages:
- Assamese
- Bengali
- Gujarati
- Marathi
- Malayalam
- Kannada
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Odia
- Urdu
- Punjabi
- Manipuri
- Konkani
The decision will result in lakhs of aspirants taking part in the examination in their mother tongue/regional language and improve their selection prospects.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Staff Selection Commission would sign an addendum to the existing MoU to facilitate the conduct of the examination in multiple Indian languages.
Constable GD is one of flagship examinations conducted by the Staff Selection Commission attracting lakhs of candidates from across the country. The examination in 13 regional languages in addition to Hindi and English will be conducted from January 01, 2024 onwards.
States/UT governments are expected to launch wide campaign encouraging local youths to use this opportunity of taking the examination in their mother tongue and participate in huge numbers to make a career serving the country. The Ministry of Home Affairs under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and guidance of Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah is fully committed to encourage use and development of regional languages.
PIB Headquarters
6.8 Kg of Methaqualone worth Rs. 3.4 crore seized by Chennai Customs
On Sunday based on information that a parcel containing some narcotics drugs is likely to be smuggled out of country through courier in guise of apparel accessories, the Courier Intelligence Unit of Air Customs detained one parcel at a courier warehouse in city. The consignor had declared parcel to contain ribbon rolls and other apparel accessories. On examination the parcel was found to contain items as per declaration but the ribbon rolls were found to be unusually heavy. On cut opening the ribbons rolls, a hallow cavity was found inside in which plastic pouches containing white crystalline powder were concealed. Total 57 plastics pouches were recovered from ribbons rolls containing a white crystalline powder. The powder was tested with narcotics testing kit and prima facie tested positive for Methaqualone. Total 6.815 kg of white crystalline powder suspected to be Methaqualone valued Rs. 3.4 crore was seized under the NDPS Act, 1985. The sample has been sent to laboratory for confirmatory test.
The parcel was found to be booked by a city based person and was consigned to Australia. Searches were carried out at the address submitted by the consignor at the time of booking. The addresses were found to be fake. Efforts are being made to apprehend the consignor and to find the source of the seized drug.
Methaqualone is a central nervous depressant that act as a sedative and hypnotic. The drug takes 30 minutes to kick-in and its effects can last up to 8 hours. The drug was made famous in 70’s by famous rock band Rolling Stones and also in the famous Hollywood movie The Wolf of Wall Street.
Further investigations is in progress, according to a press release issued by Commissioner of Customs, Chennai International Airport.
Ministry of Steel
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Greets the Nation on the 74th Independence Day
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Steel and Petroleum & Natural Gas has greeted the nation on the 74th Independence day today. In a tweet message ‘From Bharat to Aatmanirbhar Bharat: The Wheel of transition’ Shri Pradhan said, “Our priorities on the domestic and international front have undergone major changes under the Modi government. In recent times, there has been much debate about whether a self-reliant India or Atma Nirbhar Bharat is compatible with globalization or internationalism. While internationalism has many positives, it also has its limits as evident during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic crisis. Each country withdrew, and understandably so, for containing the crisis on the domestic front first. Hence, making ourselves self-sufficient is no way an indication that we shirk our international commitments, partnerships and responsibilities but only an unequivocal intent to guard our national security interests.
He further said, “India has been a responsible global player. Our civilization ethos believes in "Vasudeiva Kutumbakam" or in the principle of a global family. We treat Nature as our mother and each of its progeny as our extended family. Many of the reforms that were recently announced are aimed at building an ecosystem for wider participation of players for wealth creation and enterpreneurship and mobilising global technology to unleash the power of competitive markets. But this growth trajectory will follow a unique Indian model where domestic interest is prioritised over all else. Under the leadership of PM Modi, India will continue gaining in stature among the global comity of nations.”
President's Secretariat
PRESIDENT OF INDIA PRESENTS NATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION AWARDS ON THE NATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION DAY
BY PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT, WE CAN PROTECT MANY HUMAN RIGHTS: PRESIDENT MURMU
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu presented the National Energy Conservation Awards, National Energy Efficiency Innovation Awards and National Painting Competition prizes in New Delhi today  on the occasion of National Energy Conservation Day. She also launched ‘EV-Yatra Portal’ on the occasion. ‘EV-Yatra Portal’ has been developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency to facilitate in-vehicle navigation to the nearest public EV charger.
Addressing the gathering, the President said that it is a top priority for all of us to ensure that future generations breathe in a pollution free environment, progress well and live healthy lives. Breathing in clean air is a basic human right. By protecting the environment, we can protect many human rights.
The President said that while facing the challenges of climate change and global warming, energy conservation is a global as well as national priority. Although India's per capita carbon emissions and greenhouse gases emissions are less than one-third of the world average, India as a responsible country is contributing significantly in environment protection.
The President said that India, in COP-26, had given the message of ‘Lifestyle For Environment’ i.e. LiFE, urging the world community to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle. In Indian culture and tradition, our lifestyle has always been consistent with the message of LiFE. Respecting nature, not wasting natural resources and taking measures to enhance natural wealth are an integral part of such a lifestyle. She said that India is making efforts to move the entire world community towards adoption of such a lifestyle.
Referring to India’s Presidency of G-20, the President said that G-20 countries contribute 85 per cent to the world's total GDP and 75 per cent to international trade. In addition, 60 percent of the world's population also resides in the G-20 countries. She said that India, during its Presidency, has adopted the theme of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future', according to the ideal of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and we are also disseminating it on the world stage.
The President appreciated all the award winners, especially children. She also commended the winners of the National Energy Efficiency Innovation Awards for their innovative thinking and methodology. She said that their innovations should be widely used, so that more and more people could get inspired and develop new methods for environmental protection. She urged all to take a resolution that whatever we do would always be in favour of nature, never against nature. She said that human welfare lies in maintaining the balance between nature and development.
Please click here to see the President's Speech -
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Rajinikanth to be honoured with 51st Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shri Prakash Javadekar today announced the recipient of the 51st Dadasaheb Phalke Award. The award for 2019 will be conferred to legendary actor Shri Rajinikanth. It will be presented on 3rd May, along with the National Film Awards.
Announcing the award in New Delhi, the Minister said that the choice was unanimously made by the members of the Jury, which the Government accepted. The jury consisted of five members.
- Ms Asha Bhosle
- Shri Mohanlal
- Shri Biswajit Chatterjee
- Shri Shankar Mahadevan
- Shri Subhash Ghai
Speaking on the achievements of Shri Rajinikanth, the Minister said that he is an iconic actor who has ruled the hearts of Indians for over fifty years. The Minister congratulated the legendary actor on the achievement.
Saurabh Singh
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Ministry of Communications
India Post, Mumbai Region, to release a special cover on Cleanliness and Recycling tomorrow
Mumbai, 24 November 2020
India Post, Mumbai Region is set to release a unique special cover embracing the theme of cleanliness & recycling in the conference hall of office of the Postmaster General, Mumbai Region, Mumbai GPO on Wednesday  at 11: 30 AM. Along with that, the event will also mark the release of a set of picture postcards, made from the illustrations of the winners of the drawing competition organized by India Post, Mumbai Region during National Postal Week , where more than 450 entries were received from across the country.
The Special cover & picture postcard set will be released by Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra & Goa Circle, Shri Harish Chandra Agarwal and Postmaster General, India Post - Mumbai Region, Ms Swati Pandey.
The special cover on release is an exceptional one, since it is made out of recycled paper and aims to spread awareness of the “Swacch Bharat” campaign launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
The special cover and set of picture postcards are also meant to encourage the young talents of the country, recognize their artistry and make them realize the relevance of cleanliness and hygiene. Besides, it also emphasizes the importance of philately even in today’s digital world.
All winners will be present in the event. Those who are from Mumbai will be present physically, whereas those who are from other parts of the country will join virtually./SC/DR
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Prime Minister's Office
Ayushman Yojana is a life-saver for our poor citizens : PM
Replying to a tweet by MP Shri Shankar Lalwani, about impact of PM Ayushman Bharat scheme and other measures to ensure accessible and affordable Healthcare, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra tweeted:
"आयुष्मान योजना कैसे हमारे गरीब भाई-बहनों का जीवन बचा रही है, यह उसका एक प्रत्यक्ष उदाहरण है।"
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
First Antarrashtriya Yoga Diwas Media Samman to be conferred to 30 media houses.
Awards in recognition of contribution of Media towards propagation of Yoga across the country
Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Prakash Javadekar will confer the first ‘Antarrashtriya Yoga Diwas Media Samman’, in New Delhi on 07th of January, 2020.
Acknowledging the positive role & responsibility of media in disseminating the outreach of Yoga in India and abroad, the Ministry of I&B had instituted the first Antarashtriya Yoga Diwas Media Samman  in June, 2019 to mark the contribution of media in spreading the message of Yoga.
The Samman to be conferred on Media Houses would be given under the following categories:
- Thirty  Sammans under Three  categories will be conferred.
- Eleven Sammans to be conferred under the category “Best Media Coverage of Yoga in Newspapers.
- Eight Sammans to be conferred under the category “Best Media Coverage of Yoga in Television.
- Eleven Sammans to be conferred under the category “Best Media Coverage of Yoga in Radio.
The Samman will comprise of a special medal/plaque/trophy and a citation. The contribution of Media in popularizing of Yoga and the entrieswas assessed by a Jury comprising of 6 members and was headed by Justice C. K. Prasad, Chairman, Press Council of India.
Brief on International Day of Yoga
The International Day of Yoga has been celebrated annually on 21 June since 2015. The idea of International Day of Yoga was first proposed by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, during his address at the United Nations General Assembly , on 27 September 2014.
While proposing the idea the Prime Minister stated:
“Yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help in well being. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.”
Following this initial proposal, the UNGA held informal consultations on the draft resolution, entitled "International Day of Yoga", on 14 October 2014. The consultations were convened by the delegation of India.On 11 December 2014, India's Permanent Representative introduced the draft resolution in the United Nations General Assembly. The draft text received broad support from 177 Member States who sponsored the text, which was adopted without a vote. This initiative found support from most global leaders. A total of 177 nations co-sponsored the resolution, which is the highest number of co-sponsors ever for any UNGA resolution of such nature.